Book description
From the best-selling author and former New York Times investigative reporter, an unprecedented look at the defining struggles of the modern Catholic Church, told through the lives of the last seven popes—carrying us from the wake of World War II up through the present day and providing essential context around the most pressing issues faced by Pope Francis"An extraordinary accomplishment: controversial, but crucial for discussions in today’s Catholic Church.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)When the jolly Italian peasant-turned-cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli of Venice was elected Pope John XXIII in 1958, change was in the air. The Church, many said, had refused to enter the twentieth century. In response, Pope John launched Vatican II, an “ecumenical council” that summoned hundreds of church leaders to Rome. It marked one of the most progressive turns the Church had taken in centuries: “medicine of mercy,” as Pope John called it. Yet not everyone in the Church was prepared to accept this modernization. The lines were drawn—in a battle that continues to rage into the twenty-first century.In Jesus Wept, Philip Shenon takes us inside the Holy See to reveal its intricacies, hypocrisies, and hidden maneuverings, bringing all the momentous disputes and issues vividly to life: priestly celibacy, birth control, homosexuality, restoring ties with other Christians and Jews, shameful sex abuse crimes, the role of women in the Church.In his rich portrayals of the popes from John to Francis, Shenon draws on research across four continents, including hundreds of interviews and the exhaustive archival material. He also brings to light other key figures in the Church, such as Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani, the incredibly powerful, conservative, and staunchly anticommunist director of the Holy Office under Pius XII, who lived proudly by the motto semper idem—“always the same.” This is a consummate, vibrant history of the modern Church.
Twinkle Cocoa
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Intimidation Station
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Cabbie
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Tall Sally
🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Copilot
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
EchoExplorer
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Sugar Domino
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Moon Laser
🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable.
Congo Wire
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
StarZen
I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Count Eagle
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Liquid Death
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
The Howling Swede
CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Juice Petite
ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Parallax Sugar
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧
Trick Baron
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Chicago Blackout
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Video Game Heroine
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Po1son
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Bug Fire
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience